Keeping Blankets Fluffy

by Bob DonesJuly 31, 2018

Keeping the condition of your blanket when you first bought it is always a challenge. Maintaining and knowing how to do it correctly holds the key to ensuring it stays true to form. You get to use the blanket and enjoy its prominent features for a long time.

When you just bought a fluffy blanket, caring for it correctly should be your most important priority.

How to keep fluffy blankets fluffy?

Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Always wash them with cold or room temperature water. Heat is the number one enemy of fuzzy blankets. You’re better off hanging them in a clothesline or drying rack to keep them soft after every wash.

Even if you’re going to select the low heat settings, it's best not to put them in the dryer.

Remember that prevention is better than cure. The friction generated from the tumbling and spinning motion damages the fabric’s texture.

Fleece, one of the most popular choices for soft and fluffy blankets, is made of polyester that comes from recycled plastic and petroleum products. Plastic will melt when exposed to too much heat. Once it melts, it’s damaged forever.

Utilize this option only when necessary, e.g., you don’t have any more blankets to use.

Lastly, avoid pressing or ironing because you’re applying too much heat directly on the material. Doing so will do irreversible damage to the material.

What are the examples of a fluffy blanket?

A fluffy blanket is hairy, soft, fuzzy, and furry. Examples are:

Flannel

Fleece

Faux Fur

Microfiber

Sherpa

Minky

Wool

Velvet

What makes a blanket fluffy?

Add white vinegar when washing your blankets and don’t use a fabric softener.

Don’t worry about the sour smell because it will vanish once the blanket is completely dry. The vinegar will work on removing the wax build-up because of the continued use of fabric softeners. It will restore your blankets fluffiness as it loosens the fibers.

If you opted to wash your blankets with vinegar only, you could rewash them. Use a laundry detergent this time to make sure it won’t smell. Hang them in a clothesline to let nature do the work for you in drying your blanket.

Make it an effort to watch over your laundered items and be ready to take them out if it’s likely to rain that day.

The things you must avoid in preventing the blankets from losing their fluffiness

Too much heat

Always make it a point to select the gentlest settings and the lowest temperature on your washing machine when cleaning your blankets. You also benefit from lower electricity bills as heating the water consumes more energy than cooling it.

Friction

Friction happens when you wash multiple items simultaneously.

The spinning movement causes the fabrics to rub against each other or the metal drum of the washing machine that results to fabric damage like pilling, shedding of fibers, getting rough, or the threads to become matted or entangled.

The problem is compounded even more when your washing machine has an agitator, the column in the center of the drum for top-loading washing machines. The laundered items will always meet the agitator in every spin.

Ironing

Once your blanket is completely dry after hanging them on a clothesline, fold them immediately and store them. Ironing or pressing is the direct application of intense heat that damages the fabric.

Putting them in the dryer

Put them in the dryer but make sure to select the low heat setting if hanging your blanket on a clothesline is not possible. If you can avoid this at all costs, do so.

Why is it necessary to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions?

It allows you to enjoy the features like softness, warmth, or comfort in using your blanket for a long time. You’ll save money from not having to buy another one a few months after buying your current blanket. You’ll be beaming with pride for being able to take good care of your personal belongings.

What to do in case you don’t understand the symbols on the care label

When in doubt, google it.

There are lots of useful information on the web that help address your concerns. It’s the most common reaction that people do when asking for help.

Visit your blanket manufacturer’s website.

The best resource when looking for the right information about your blanket is the manufacturer's website. Look up the contact details and call their hotline number to get your problem resolved at the soonest possible time.

Reach out to them in their social media accounts if calling isn’t your cup of tea. They’ll most likely have a Facebook page or a twitter account.

Ask family and friends for recommendations

The best persons to ask for help when we need it. It’s likely that they have gone through a similar problem like yours in the past.

Visit the store where you bought your blanket and get your questions answered.

Ask the store manager or the sales attendant and describe your problem clearly so they can give you the best advice. If you still have it with you, bring the original receipt of your purchase so they’ll know the exact model of your blanket.

Tips for handling common issues with fluffy blankets

Issue

Cause

Recommended fix

Broken down, stretched fibers

Hot water used during washing or high-temperature setting selected during drying

Wash with cold water using the gentlest cycle and choose the low-heat setting when drying

Shedding in wash

Exposed damaged fibers

Insert the blanket in a large laundry bag before washing

The coating on blanket

There are soapy residues even after rinsing or the use of dryer sheets during drying

Add another rinse cycle and do not use dryer sheets or try adding a tennis ball during drying